See our full attendance policy here: https://ewelmeprimaryschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Whole-school-attendance-letter-September-2026.pdf 

Access our online form for requesting authorised planned absence for your child here:  https://forms.gle/ygj9G9ZJoNvmNL5EA

At Ewelme C.E. Primary School, we believe that regular attendance is essential to children’s learning, progress, wellbeing and safety. Every school day matters, and we expect children to attend school regularly and arrive on time every day unless their absence is unavoidable.

Parents and carers have a legal responsibility to ensure that their children attend school regularly and on time. The school works closely with families to promote good attendance and to provide support where attendance becomes a concern.

Our expectations

• Our minimum attendance expectation is 95%, with a whole-school aim of 97% or above.
• Parents and carers should contact the school as soon as possible on the first day of absence, explaining the reason for their child’s absence.
• The school must decide whether an absence is authorised or unauthorised. Parents and carers cannot authorise an absence themselves.
• Absences should only be taken when there is a genuine and unavoidable reason.
• Children should arrive at school on time and be ready to learn.

Illness and appointments

We understand that children will sometimes be unwell and need to stay at home. Medical and dental appointments should, wherever possible, be arranged outside school hours. Where an appointment unavoidably takes place during school time, the school may request evidence before authorising the absence.

If we have not heard from you when your child is absent, we will contact you on the first day of absence. Where necessary, we may undertake a home visit and/or arrange a meeting with parents or carers to understand any barriers to attendance and identify appropriate support.

Holidays and exceptional leave

There is no automatic entitlement to take children out of school during term time for a holiday. Holidays taken without the school’s agreement will normally be recorded as unauthorised absence.

Exceptional leave may only be authorised in specific circumstances and is considered by the Headteacher on an individual basis. Requests should be made using the school’s Exceptional Leave form and submitted at least 15 working days before the proposed absence, together with any supporting evidence where required.

The school may request that Oxfordshire County Council issue a Penalty Notice where a child has unauthorised absence.

Punctuality

The school day begins at 8:45am and children should be in class and ready to learn at this time.

• Registers are marked at 9:00am.
• The register closes at 9:15am.
• Arrival after the register has closed will normally be recorded as an unauthorised absence.

Good punctuality is important because arriving late can mean missing learning, important information and the start-of-day routines. Persistent lateness will be followed up by the school.

If attendance becomes a concern

We monitor attendance and punctuality throughout the school year. Where attendance begins to cause concern, we will work with parents/carers and the child to understand the reasons and provide appropriate support.

A child is classed as a Persistent Absentee (PA) when they miss 10% or more of their schooling. Children whose attendance reaches, or is at risk of reaching, this level will be prioritised for support and closely monitored.

Where necessary, support may include an attendance action plan, meetings with school staff, a Strengths and Needs assessment, mentoring or other appropriate interventions.

If attendance falls significantly or concerns cannot be resolved, the school may refer the matter to the Oxfordshire County Attendance Team. This may lead to further intervention, a Penalty Notice or legal proceedings.

Working together

Good attendance is a shared responsibility between the school, parents/carers and pupils. If your child is finding it difficult to attend school regularly, please talk to us as early as possible. We would much rather work with you to resolve a problem before it becomes more serious.

Regular attendance gives children the best opportunity to learn, achieve, develop friendships and enjoy school.

For further information, please contact the school office or speak to a member of the school leadership team.

Oxfordshire County Attendance Team:
01865 323513
attendance@oxfordshire.gov.uk